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Model railroads serve as a hobby for many people across all age groups. Some people have even turned their hobby into a business, selling model railroad equipment or even building layouts for others. Model railroading business owners can grow their business through deliberate marketing efforts, just like any other business. However, as an industry that is both hobby and business to some, the thought of marketing may not be all that appealing. Model railroad marketing can have benefits, though, even for those who primarily treat it as a hobby.

Products

One benefit of model railroad marketing is that it can provide railroad hobbyists and business owners with a network of contacts that they may be able to use to their advantage. Many model railroaders who are active hobbyists and business owners join model railroad societies and become familiar with one another and the types of train layouts that each person does. They also become familiar with products offered by other business owners. This provides them with access to additional product sources.

Problem Solving

Model railroaders are always looking to put their innovation to the test to see what kind of creative layout they can put together. Network marketing among other enthusiasts and business owners provides model railroaders with an opportunity to bounce ideas off of one another and create new projects that can then be used to sell additional products or to simply create a new layout for the enjoyment of the railroader.

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Industry Growth

Model railroading is one of those industries that consists of both older and newer generations of enthusiasts. Older enthusiasts sometimes revisit the hobby as they get older, returning to it after their participation in railroading as a childhood activity. Some are familiar with the industry because of their parents who may have been model railroaders themselves. Marketing efforts can also reach newer generations of enthusiasts to grow the industry and keep it thriving.

Branding

One of the realities of the model railroading world is the divide between older and newer generations of hobbyists. Acquia.com notes that the divide between these enthusiasts has allowed some companies such as M.T.H. Electric Trains to go different directions with its products and marketing efforts to create its own brand. Whereas older enthusiasts often return to the railroad companies of their youth, M.T.H. has been able to create an entirely new brand that blends nostalgia with innovation. M.T.H. has created thousands of new products and has used marketing as a way to raise awareness of its brand and build business by attracting both old and new hobbyists.

References

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About the Author

Jared Lewis is a professor of history, philosophy and the humanities. He has taught various courses in these fields since 2001. A former licensed financial adviser, he now works as a writer and has published numerous articles on education and business. He holds a bachelor's degree in history, a master's degree in theology and has completed doctoral work in American history.